Exodus 31:14

Every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death. — This is a new enactment, and must be regarded in conjunction with the new dignity attached to Sabbath observance by its having become the special covenant sign between God and His people. The Sabbath-breaker now threw himself out of covenant with God, and not only so, but did what in him lay to throw the whole people out of covenant. His guilt was therefore great, and the assignment to it of the death-penalty is in no way surprising; rather, it is in accordance with the general spirit of the code (see Exodus 21:16; Exodus 21:29; Exodus 22:18, &c.). When the occasion arose, there was no hesitation in carrying the law out (Numbers 15:32).

Cut off. — Or, separated, set apart from. His act at once cast him out from the number of God’s people, made him an outlaw, ipso facto excommunicated him.